Easy Mont Blanc with Chestnut Puree

by Merchant Gourmet
Star 5.0
    30m prep time
    30m total time
    Easy level
    14 ingredients

This elegant no-bake Mont Blanc recipe combines crisp ready-made meringue nests, silky Merchant Gourmet Chestnut Puree, and soft vanilla whipped cream. Finished with orange zest and toasted nuts, it’s a quick yet luxurious festive dessert perfect for Christmas or dinner parties.

Method

Based on 4 servings, adjust as needed.

Step 1

See tips if you want to make your own meringue nests from scratch.

Step 2

Start by making the chestnut cream. Beat the softened butter and light brown sugar together until pale and fluffy.

Step 3

Add the Merchant Gourmet chestnut puree and mix until smooth. Stir in the orange zest, salt, spice, and half of the vanilla extract or a little rum!

Step 4

If the mixture is too thick, add 1 tablespoon of double cream or milk to loosen it for piping or spooning.

Step 5

Now, make the whipped cream. In a chilled bowl, whip the cream (and mascarpone if using) with the ** caster sugar** and remaining vanilla until soft peaks form. Take care not to over-whip - the texture should be soft and pillowy.

Step 6

To assemble the mont blancs - place each ready-made meringue nest on a serving plate. Spoon or pipe the chestnut mixture over the centre of each nest.

Step 7

Add a generous dollop (or swirl) of whipped cream on top. Garnish with chopped hazelnuts or candied chestnuts, dust with icing sugar, and optionally drizzle with salted caramel or grated dark chocolate on top.

Step 8

Serve immediately so the meringues stay crisp. If preparing ahead, store the chestnut cream and whipped cream in the fridge and assemble just before serving.
  • Ingredients
  • Based on 4 servings
  • 200g pouch Merchant Gourmet Chestnut Puree 1 x Merchant Gourmet Chestnut Puree 200g
  • 25g Unsalted Butter, softened 1 x Sainsbury's British Butter, Unsalted 250g
  • 15g Caster Sugar 1 x Sainsbury's White Caster Sugar 500g
  • Icing sugar for dusting 1 x Sainsbury's Icing Sugar 500g
  • 1 pinch Salt 1 x Maldon Sea Salt Flakes 250g
  • 200ml Double Cream, or whipping cream, chilled 1 x Sainsbury's Double Cream 300ml
  • 0.25tsp Mixed Spice, or cinnamon 1 x Sainsbury's Ground Mixed Spice 34g
  • 1 tbsp Grated Dark Chocolate, or salted caramel sauce 1 x Stamford Street Co. Dark Chocolate 100g
  • 25g Light Brown Sugar 1 x Sainsbury's Fairtrade Light Soft Brown Sugar 500g
  • 1 tbsp Vanilla Extract, Dark Rum or Cognac 1 x Nielsen-Massey Vanilla Extract 5ml
  • 0.5 Orange, zest of 1 x Sainsbury's Oranges
  • 2 tbsp Chopped Toasted Hazelnuts, or candied chestnuts (marrons glacés) 1 x Sainsbury's Roasted Chopped Hazelnuts 100g
  • 1tbsp Mascarpone, optional but makes cream more stable 1 x Sainsbury's Mascarpone Cheese 250g
  • 6 Meringue Nests, or see tips to make your own 1 x Sainsbury's Meringue Nests, Taste the Difference 108g x8
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